New York Mets third baseman David Wright has a small tear in one of his left abdominal muscles but still hopes to be in the opening-day lineup, according to the team’s website.

"As long as I get a decent amount of time, I feel like I'll be ready," Wright told the website. "I'm not at the point now where I feel panicked or rushed. I still feel comfortable with the amount of time I've got left. Whenever you strain a muscle, essentially there's some tearing. So it sounds a lot worse than it is."

David Wright plans to play on opening day for the Mets. (AP Photo)

Wright, who hasn’t played in a Grapefruit League game this spring, will not attempt any baseball activities until Thursday. And he will have to progress slowly.

"As much as I'd like to be out there and play, I also have to realize that it's the first couple weeks in spring training," Wright said. "For once in my career, you've got to be smart about something and maybe miss a few games here to make sure I'm ready for the season."

The Mets’ website notes Wright’s injury is similar to the one suffered by Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis last season. Both of those players required surgery to repair the tear, but Wright maintains his injury is less severe.

Wright was limited to 102 games last season because of a back injury, and he struggled offensively. He hit a career-low .254 with 14 homers, 61 RBIs and a .345 on-base percentage.